winning Old World and New World wine lists and hand-crafted cocktails. p }} ecco-atlanta.com. ★★★
MEXICAN
NUEVO LAREDO CANTINA 1495 Chattahoochee Ave., Atl. 404/352-9009. Fresh Mexican fare, including chicken mole, pork tender briskets, lobster tacos and enchiladas, served by an attentive staff in a fun, casual environment. p } nuevolaredocantina.com.
MOROCCAN
IMPERIAL FEZ MOROCCAN 2285 Peachtree Road, Atl. 404/351-0870. An oasis of good food and entertainment with traditional cuisine including fresh legumes, meats and fish. p }}} imperialfez.com.
NEW ORLEANS
PARISH: FOODS & GOODS 240 North Highland Ave., Atl. 404/681-4434. New Orleansinspired, bi-level restaurant and market in the beautifully restored 1890s Atlanta Pipe and Foundry Company terminal building. p } parishatl.com.
PERSIAN
RUMI’S KITCHEN 6152 Roswell Road, Atl. 404/477-2100. Fresh Persian dishes, from kabobs and dolmeh to fresh-baked flat bread, served in an intimate dining room with attentive hospitality. } rumisrestaurant.com.
SEAFOOD
ATLANTA FISH MARKET 265 Pharr Road, Atl. 404/262-3165. Southeast’s largest selection of fresh seafood offered in a neighborhood setting. Specialties include Hong Kong sea bass, cashew crusted swordfish and blackened mahi mahi. p h }} buckheadrestaurants.com. ★★★★ ATLANTIC SEAFOOD COMPANY 2345 Mansell Road, Alpharetta. 770/640-0488. Fresh seafood flown in daily, with an award-winning menu of signature dishes, sashimi and sushi rolls, plus artisanal bourbon, infused liquors and wine. p }}} atlanticseafoodco.com. C&S SEAFOOD AND OYSTER BAR 3240 Cobb Pkwy., Atl. 770/272-0999. Fresh seafood, a well-stocked raw bar and classic prime steaks in an elegant setting, with classic cocktails. p }} candsoysterbar.com. LURE 1106 Crescent Ave. NE, Atl. 404/817-3650. Contemporary fish house with a sophisticated casual vibe serves fresh seafood delivered daily, from 134
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salty fried calamari to steamed mussels, plus handcrafted cocktails. p }} lure-atlanta.com. RAY’S IN THE CITY 240 Peachtree St., Atl. 404/524-9224. Enjoy a selection of the freshest seafood, made-to-order sushi and hand-cut steaks, in a casual yet elegant setting. p }} raysrestaurants.com.
food for thought
RAY’S ON THE RIVER 6700 Powers Ferry Road, Atl. 770/955-1187. Fresh seafood and fine cut steaks, an award-winning wine list and a romantic view of the Chattahoochee assure a delightful dining experience. p h }} raysrestaurants. com. ★★★ THE OCEANAIRE SEAFOOD ROOM 1100 Peachtree St. NE, Atl. 404/475-2277. Feast on fresh seafood, flown in daily, in a setting as sleek as a 1930s ocean liner, with exceptional service. p }}} theoceanaire.com. THE OPTIMIST 914 Howell Mill Road, Atl. 404/477-6260. Upscale seafood with playful flavor combinations served in a beautiful space, with an experienced staff, well-rounded wine list and upbeat vibe. p }} theoptimistrestaurant.com.
SOUTH AFRICAN
CAPE DUTCH 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road NE, Atl. 404/343-0313. Sophisticated South African “braai” grilled dishes, from prime grilled steaks to seafood and vegetables, plus global wines in a chic setting. p }} capedutchrestaurant.com. 10 DEGREES SOUTH 4183 Roswell Road NE, Atl. 404/705-8870. A cultural fusion of South African-inspired cuisine, from calamari and lamb chops to sosaties and chicken curry, served in a modern eatery and lounge. p }} 10degreessouth.com. Yebo Beach/Ski Haus 111 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atl. 404/869-19920. South African dishes and cocktails served in a renovated house with airy decor. p }} yebobeachhaus.com.
SOUTHWESTERN
ALMA COCINA 191 Peachtree St. NE, Atl. 404/968-9662. Dine on green chorizo tostadas, bay scallop ceviche and braised goat huaraches in a spirited venue. p } alma-atlanta.com.
SPANISH
COOKS & SOLDIERS 691 14th St. NW, Atl. 404/996-2623. Enjoy pintxos and wood-grilled meats and seafood inspired by the Basque region, as well as a wine, cider and cocktail program, in a vibrant, contemporary space. p }} cooksandsoldiers.com.
5Whether you’re entertaining or giftgiving, the signature Tommy Bahama Piña Colada Cake is an exceptional treat, featuring a multi-layer vanilla cake misted with rum, filled and frosted with an airy white chocolate mousse and fresh pineapple, then finished with lightly toasted coconut. $85, serves 8-12. tommybahama.com n Chef Hugh Acheson is opening his eighth restaurant, Achie’s, at the Omni Hotel at The Battery Atlanta, offering world-class, Southern-inspired fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. omnihotels. com/hotels/atlanta-battery/dining/achies n Kudos to Sterling Hospitality, the parent company of Marlow’s Tavern, which raised almost $130,000 for Special Olympics Georgia at its annual golf classic and silent auction dinner at Country Club of Roswell. n Chefs Michael Patria and Lasheeda Perry have been promoted to executive chef and executive pastry chef, respectively, at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta. n The Austin-based Tex-Mex restaurant Chuy’s is opening an Alpharetta location this winter at 2560 Old Milton Pkwy. chuys.com n Wholesome Wave Georgia raised over $147,000 to put fresh, healthy and locally grown food on the tables of families in need at its 8th annual Southern Chefs Potluck fundraiser at Serenbe. n Muchacho is now open at Atlanta’s Reynoldstown at 904 Memorial Dr. muchachoatl.com